Ken O'Dea
Ken O'Dea | ||
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Runs batted in | 323 | |
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James Kenneth O'Dea (March 16, 1913 – December 17, 1985) was an American
O'Dea had the misfortune of playing on the same teams alongside some of the best catchers in the National League, which limited his playing time.[2] Although he played most of his 12-year MLB career as a backup catcher, O'Dea was considered one of the best defensive catchers in the major leagues prior to World War II.[2]
Baseball career
Minor league
O'Dea was born on March 16, 1913, in
Major league
O'Dea made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on April 21,
When Cooper was inducted into the
The 33-year-old O'Dea was traded to the Boston Braves during the 1946 season to make room for young catcher, Joe Garagiola.[2] With the Braves he once more resumed the role of a backup catcher behind another All-Star catcher, Phil Masi. O'Dea played in his final MLB game on August 6, 1946.[1]
MLB statistics
In a twelve-year MLB career, O'Dea played in 832
Personal life
O'Dea was married to Mary June Davis O'Dea for 47 years until her death in 1982. They had five children, Carole, James, Stephen, Daniel and Debra, the last of whom who was killed at the age of 8 in a tragic accident.
In his later life, O'Dea ran the White Horse Tavern in East Avon, New York, until it was destroyed by fire in 1955.
O'Dea died of lung cancer on December 17, 1985, at the age of 72 in his hometown of Lima.[11]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Ken O'Dea statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7864-2177-0
- ^ a b "Ken O'Dea minor league statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Cards Trade Johnny Mize To Giants". The St. Petersburg Times. INS. 12 December 1941. p. 15. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Walker Cooper's Induction to Give Ken O'Day Chance". The Milwaukee Journal. Associated Press. 24 April 1945. p. 2. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "1945 National League Pitching Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
- ^ "1945 National League Fielding Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "1945 All-Star Game". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Ken O'Dea post-season statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Sports Roundup". The Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. 9 October 1944. p. 6. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Ken O'Dea, played in major leagues 12 years". The Evening Independent. Associated Press. 19 December 1985. p. 20. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball Reference
- Ken O'Dea - Baseball Biography
- Retrosheet
- Ken O'Dea at Find a Grave